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Alvarez's return will further shape rotation

Alvarez's return will further shape rotation

3/26/13: Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez strikes out seven over five innings of work against the Nationals

By Joe Frisaro
/
MLB.com |

MIAMI -- It is taking until July for the Marlins' rotation to shape up the way the club anticipated at the end of Spring Training.

Manager Mike Redmond said Saturday afternoon that Henderson Alvarez, who has been on the disabled list all season, would join the rotation during next week's road trip.

Alvarez, recovering from right shoulder inflammation, threw his last rehab assignment start Friday night. The Venezuela native threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out seven for Double-A Jacksonville in a win over Mobile.

Exactly where the 23-year-old will fit into the rotation has not been set. The speculation is the team will trade Ricky Nolasco soon, and Alvarez could fill that spot Wednesday at Atlanta.

But until Nolasco is moved, it is all speculation.

The Marlins are just happy to finally have Alvarez ready.

"I know what he's capable of doing," Redmond said. "At the same time, we've got to get him out there and see what he can do in the big leagues. I know he's excited to start his season, and hopefully he will come out and pitch some big games for us, and log some big innings, and pick up some wins."

Alvarez was acquired as part of Miami's blockbuster trade last November with Toronto.

The Marlins opened the season with both Alvarez and Nathan Eovaldi on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Eovaldi recently returned, and he is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Padres.

At last, Miami's rotation is taking shape.

"It's a big relief, and it's taken a while," Redmond said. "Here we are almost in July, and we're just starting to have the team we thought we would have leaving Spring Training."